Stems

I see the issue already...they are all designed for 31.8 clamp diameters.

I hate designing for a weaker bar material because marketing says I should.

As for your true intent of the post...well thought out insight. One of the reasons I only use Thomson stems or build my own, accurate and consistent are key.

I appreciate the repository of info you've accumulated and refer folks to it often, thanks.

You've got too much brains to be wasting this much time on bikes Pete, it would be refreshing to see someone with so much knowledge putting it to good use, like teaching our kids. Wait a minute, you're already doing that too.

Missed you at Nahbs this year, just wasn't the same hiking off to breakfast without your hung over arse.

It's a 3D forging so the strut is rammed into the steerer binder during manufacturing. You see the evidence of this when you look inside the stem. It's also some dirty manufacturing for some comparatively cheap pieces. Also, when was the last time you saw a consumer QC a part?

It's a 3D forging so the strut is rammed into the steerer binder during manufacturing. You see the evidence of this when you look inside the stem. It's also some dirty manufacturing for some comparatively cheap pieces. Also, when was the last time you saw a consumer QC a part?

Only when that consumer is you Pete. It's fun to have a guy like you involved and commenting. Always some good info.

I'll add: I too see a lot of value in reverse engineering existing parts. You think you know a part from handling it and looking at it ad nauseum. Then you create a solid model of it and you learn a hell of a lot more.

I "QC'd" my parts! That doesn't involve referencing to a true-to-size draft, with alignment and deflection tests though.

3D forging piqued my interest though. Can't really seem to find much through basic internet searching. There's some info from Cannondale and how they're advancing the technique that seemed interesting.

What do you demand from a stem anyways? It's basic task is to connect your handlebars to the steerer, right? When I picked mine, I was under the impression that I simply wanted something light, yet strong and reliable for a stem, one that fit as far as length goes. Being able to clamp on my steerer and bar, without issues like slipping under loads found in biking when following bolt torque specs. Failing fit and slip tests would make me send it back... precision is another thing.

I like to jump to conclusions, oversimplify, gossip, and participate in popularity polls.